What’s This Blog For?
I’m Michele Plante, FAA Instructor and Career Services Coordinator. If you are an FAA student, you get a lot of spam from me.
In 2008, I joined the Urbana Public Arts Commission, partly because I think there should be a strong connection between the community and The College of Fine and Applied Arts, and partly because I want to be able to share what’s going on with our students. I’ll be using this blog to keep students informed about arts opportunities and ways they can be involved in the community. I’ll also be sharing my insights about how granting agencies work (art from the other side.)
I’ll start with a quick overview of the Commissioners. I’ll also tell you that there were some visions of Batman floating in my head when I found out I was going to be a Commissioner. So far no one has addressed me as Commissioner Plante and I haven’t received any special “signals” from superheros. To be honest, it’s kind of a let down.
Anna Hochhalter, Public Arts Coordinator — Anna is amazing. She’s got about 20 different jobs, one of which is serving as the information hub. Last September, Melissa Merli interviewed Anna for the News-Gazette about what she does and what we’re supposed to be doing.
Robin Hall, Chair — Robin is the former Executive Director, Urbana Park District and is “the man” who made Meadowbrook ’s Wandell Sculpture Garden happen. He’s my arts administration hero.
Barbara Hedlund, Musician, Teacher, Publisher — We’re extremely lucky to have this Emmy winning cellist and experienced arts administrator on the committee. Check out her amazing bio.
Michele Plante, Painter, Graphic Designer, Jewelry Maker, Glassblower, Teacher, Arts Administrator — After fifteen years as a graphic designer, I’ve switched my focus to teaching students about marketing and self-promotion.
Geoffrey Bant, Studio Supervisor and Teacher, Champaign Park District — Next time you get a chance to watch the rerun, check out the sculpture prototypes Geoff had his class make for our meeting. They’re creative and incredibly engaging. Geoff has a lot of fantastic ideas on how to improve life for Urbana residents — including an “arts warehouse” where people could drop off supplies, instruments, or equipment they don’t need for use by Urbana students.
Robert Lewis, Musician — Whatever our commission proposes has to be approved by the City Council, of which Robert is a member. It’s a huge plus to have someone doing double duty!
Sarah Ross, Adjunct Professor (sculpture, art survey), Illinois State University; Artist — One of our most proactive members, Sarah has been bringing presentations of art installations and draft proposals to each meeting. I’m grateful that she’s my teammate on the grant proposal project (more information on that to come.)
Katherine Lamb, Freelance video editor — I’m sorry to say, I don’t really know Katherine yet, but I’m very glad to have video represented on the committee.
Patricia Samman, Writer, Developmental Editor — I’m just getting to know Pat too, but her sharp wit is hard to miss.
